Quick facts

Trip Overview

Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trekking route located in the Annapurna region. Officially opened in 2012, few trekkers have made their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal (5587m) and the impressive Machapuchhre (Fishtail). Machhapuchhre(6993m) is a sacred mountain which has never been climbed and this is as close as you can get to this mountain. You will get up, close and personal with Fishtail as this is the trail leading to the foothills of this mountain. From the High Camp, you can also see a great and vast panorama over the Annapurna and the whole vast area from bird’s eye view point. The trail goes through a dense forest of pine, Juniper and rhododendron with raging rivers making a thunderous sound. The different route will take takes us steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola. The stream has been the ice and the snow of the Mardi Himal.

The trail follows through the lovely rice terrace, unique culture villages and spectacular views of towering mountains. Mardi Himal Trek moderate you an off the beaten track and take away from busy trails. Mardi Himal Trek is sandwiched between two popular treks; Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

The trail goes along small winding paths, through magical rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 m. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South(7219m) and Hiunchuli(6441m).

This secluded trail is perfect for people, who prefer fewer crowds and a little more unspoilt nature and solitude. Mardi Himal trek offers amazing view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre and Manaslu ranges.

Yoga will also be an integral part of this trip. Every morning you will wake up early to practice yoga and meditation. In the morning you will meditate with yoga teacher which may include sound meditation with the singing bowl. You will also practice stretching and loosening exercise, also called Pre-Asana exercise, which will help to release pain and prevent muscle tensions. Your yoga sessions will also include Asanas, Sun Salutation, Pranayama and short relaxation.

Depending on the weather & trail condition you will also do an open nature relaxing meditation during your trek. You could find yourself doing yoga inside the dense forest or in a river bank or in front of the beautiful mountain vistas.

In the evening there will also be complete guided relaxation to rejuvenate the body and mind.

Trip itinerary

View full itinerary

01 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Your adventure begins even before you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. The first views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you will make you almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with you for a very long time.

As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, you will meet the team and discuss your further programs over the welcome dinner.

02 Drive to Pokhara. (6-7 hours) Explore lakeside in the evening.

Your overland journey to the beautiful lake city Pokhara will begin after breakfast in the morning. You will drive along the bank of the Trishuli River, past stunning villages, terraced fields and weather permitting; you will have fantastic picturesque views of the Himalayan range.

Pokhara (827m) is situated in a tranquil valley overlooking the magnificent Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) mountain. The sprawling few lake, the elusive Devi’s fall, the Peace Pagoda atop a hill enchants every visitor. The ambience of peace and magic can be felt even while boating in the serene few lake or just strolling in the alleys of Lakeside.

03 Drive to Phedi. Trek to Pothana (1950m) via Dhampus.

After a short drive to Phedi, you will trek up in the steep before reaching Dhampus. You will need to climb stone stairs passing through terraced farmlands, local villages and forest to reach Dhampus. We will stop here for a lunch. From Dhampus you will have a mesmerising view of Annapurna range. The gentle trail from here will lead you to Pothana.

04 Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2550 m). (4-5 hrs)

From Pothana you will pass through a dense forest of Oak, Maple, Hemlock and Rhododendron before reaching the Forest Camp. You may also encounter deer, monkeys and different species of birds on the way. The view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range along the way will keep you enchanted. You will spend the night in a local tea house with basic facilities.

05 Trek from Forest Camp (2550 m) to Low Camp (2990 m). 3-4 hrs.

The short but steep climb through the Rhododendron and juniper forest will take you to the Low Camp. Today you will notice the vegetation change along the trail. You will find the flora has turned to classic ‘cloud forest’ with mosses and lichens, tree ferns and orchids hosted by the hardier trees. Far below, to your left, you will see the Modi Khola Valley leading up into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Though you will be surrounded by forest, you will still have a superb view of Fishtail Mountain from the Low Camp.

06 Trek from Low camp to High Camp (3580m). 4-5 hours.

After a short but steep climb, you will be out of the forest. You will leave the trees behind and walk on the ridge with beautiful landscape in view to reach the High Camp. You will feel the mountains are getting even more close towards you. Annapurna South seems near enough to throw a rock at and Machhapuchhre itself close enough to touch.

This day will be the most exciting day of this trek as you will climb up to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. You will start early today after breakfast. A series of steep rocky climbs separated by a leisurely walk through lush, green, high mountain and ridges will take you to the Mardi Himal base camp. The first steep climb will take around 2 hours to reach the top of the ridge which is marked as Mardi Himal Base Camp (MBC). However, to reach the real base camp it will take about another 2 hours walk along the ridge. You will have an amazing view along the ridge. You will see the great ice fields and blue glaciers of the Sanctuary Wall lie below.

From Dhaulagiri to the Ganesh Himal and in between, you will see a dozen or more glistening snow-bound giant mountains. The view is amazing all along the ridge. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail will appear right above you, view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Annapurna III also appear at a distance.

You will now leave the impeccable view after the arduous climb behind and trek down to High Camp.

08 High Camp (3580 m) - Sidhing (1850 m) 6 hrs

Today you will descend down unhurriedly through the shade of the forest and out onto terraced fields. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and still very much away from the busier modern tourist treks and it is likely you will stay at a homestay.

09 Sidhing (1850 m) – Lumre- Pokhara

After breakfast, you will head towards lumre. You will pass through Gurung and Tamang settlements during the trek. You will enough time to interact and observe the lifestyles of these people know for their bravery as Gurkhas around the world. A private vehicle will pick you up from Lumre and take you back to Pokhara. In the evening you can just relax at the lake side in a rooftop restaurant or go boating in the Phewa Lake if you like.

10 Pokhara to Kathmandu 7-8 Hours

After the successful trek to the base camp of Mardi Himal, its time to go back to Kathmandu leaving the beautiful trail behind. You will be free in the evening to go for souvenir buying or stroll in the alley of Thamel. You will have plenty of options in Thamel to make you evening beautiful.

11 Sightseeing in Kathmandu

In the morning you will meet your tour guide to visit historic, religious and architectural places of Kathmandu valley. You will visit Swoyambhunath (Buddhist Shrine, also called monkey temple), Boudhanath (Largest Stupa in the world), Pashupatinath (Hindu’s greatest pilgrimage site) and Patan Durbar Square (Historic place for ancient art and architecture).

You can buy souvenir today as well if you haven’t bought yesterday. Tonight will be your last night in Kathmandu valley so we will have a dinner together once again.

12 Departure

We will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back to Home hoping to see you soon in Nepal.

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